Food Stamps / SNAP / LINK Card

Food stamps are now called “SNAP” and a lot more stores take it than you’d think.

I’ve personally confirmed that Walgreens, CVS, Target, Trader Joe’s, Jewel, Mariano’s, Aldi’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods all take LINK. Some 7-11s and dollar stores do as well. Online I’ve seen BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Costco referenced as accepting LINK. Basically, if the store has a grocery section and takes credit cards, even if it’s not a grocery store (like Target for example), then they probably accept LINK.

Many local non-chain grocery stores also take the LINK card; you’ll just need to walk in or call and ask. Some bakeries and farmer’s markets may as well, so long as they accept credit cards.

In addition, you can use the LINK card to buy pre-made food, so long as it’s not heated. This means that in the deli section, you can use LINK to purchase the food that’s at room temperature or chilled, but not the food under a heat lamp. If you’re ever not sure, ask the manager or a cashier to confirm that the food item will be covered by the LINK card.

In response to a question I was asked, no, you can’t use LINK to buy dog or cat food, not unless you buy human food and feed it to your pets. However, there are free pet food pantries. You can, however, buy baking soda with LINK and use it to freshen kitty litter boxes.

Information on applying for food stamps (Food stamps are now called SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Food stamps (aka SNAP) eligibility calculator
Use this to figure out if you are eligible for food stamps (aka SNAP) and if so, how much you might get.

Information for once you get approved for food stamps (aka SNAP) and are given a LINK card

How does a LINK card work?
Basically, it works like a debit card and looks like one. If you are eligible for food stamps, the card will be reloaded with money every month on a set date, until you are found to not be eligible anymore. This determination is generally made by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and is based on if your earnings, income, economic resources, or living expenses have changed. If you run out of money on your LINK card, then your options are to pay using your own money or put the food item back on the shelf and visit a free food pantry if necessary.

Free and Reduced Fare RTA Pass (Includes Psychiatric)

See: http://www.rtachicago.com/fare-programs/reduced-fare-program.html

Applying for a Reduced Fare RTA Pass

The process of getting a reduced fare RTA pass can be time consuming but relatively simple.

To get the pass, you have to get the application from downtown. The location is RTA’s Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you are affiliated with a social service they might already have some in their office for their clients or can help you get one. You will need to ask though.

Once you have the application, you fill it out and have your doctor write a brief letter about your condition and/or diagnosis. Psychiatric conditions do appear to be covered.

There does not appear to be an income or resources limit.

With the filled out form and a copy of your state ID, you then need to get a photo ID. You can get this done at multiple places, including having a passport photo taken. See http://www.rtachicago.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Sr_Registration_Centers.pdf for a list of locations to get your photo taken and drop off your application.

For example, at the Levy Center on Aging in Lincoln Square, you get your photo taken on a digital camera (so it was a color photo) and pay the person $1. They then submit you application and ask you to wait 4-6 weeks to receive your card.

Using the Card

One you have your card, you can load money onto the card and pay a reduced fare on the CTA. It’s 85 cents for a ride and 15 cents to transfer. Second transfers are free.

You can also use it on the Metra and PACE because it is part of RTA. However, they have different rates.

Monthly Reduced Fare CTA Passes

In addition, you can also purchase a separate reduced fare pass. Unfortunately, the only reduced passes are monthly passes, which are $35. There are no reduced passes for day, week, etc. To get this pass, you can get it where CTA passes are sold or purchase it online. To buy it online, visit http://faremedia.chicago-card.com/store/main.aspx?DepartmentId=34

When using the monthly pass, you first insert your monthly pass into the machine then your photo ID reduced fare pass. You have to keep your reduced fare pass on you even if you are using the monthly pass. If you accidentally insert your photo ID reduced fare pass first you will get charged and the money is unlikely to be refunded.

The Free Transit Card

There is also a People With Disabilities Ride Free program. This can be extremely difficult to get because you first need to be awarded Social Security Disability, then successfully enroll in Circuit Breaker, which does have income and assets guidelines, and then you are eligible for the free card. Once you have the free card, you can ride for free on CTA buses and trains, Metra, and PACE. You’ll have to reapply for Circuit Breaker once a year.

Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

The Department of Rehabilitation Services is meant to help people with disabilities find jobs. I have found from personal experience and talking to others that the quality of the services offered by DRS varies greatly from office to office, even within the same state.

One of the services I was offered was help paying for school. However, two counselors told me that DRS was unable to pay toward grad school or a second bachelor’s. However, you might be able to get help paying for your first Associate’s or Bachelor’s. I strongly suggest asking your counselor if you have any questions about this as soon as possible.

At least at the offices I went to, it was clear that the counselors were only equipped to help people looking for entry-level minimum wage jobs and/or help review a cover letter or resume. However, if you’re affiliated with a college or university, I suggest contacting the Career Services office there first because they’re more likely to get back to you in a timely manner than DRS simply because they’re likely to have a smaller caseload.

DRS can also help you attain some of the specialized equipment you need for school and/or work that is related to your disability. For example, a friend of mine with severe visual impairment was able to have DRS cover the costs of the computer software she needed. However, she told me that it was a very lengthy and difficult process to get this done.

Overall:

Like with any other official documentation you receive, you should respond as soon as possible to any notices or letters instructing you to contact or meet with your DRS counselor. Oftentimes, failure to do so by the deadline can result in changes being made to your benefits and/or ability to get benefits.

Also, it’s probably worth giving your DRS counselor a try to see if she or he can help you. If you’re having a difficult time with your assigned DRS counselor, you might want to request to see a different person or even to go to a different office.

The Ark: Services for Uninsured and Low-Income Jews

All Services Are Free

The Ark

Homepage

6450 N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60645
773.973.1000
Fax: 773.973.4362
ark@arkchicago.org

The Ark has regular business hours, is open later on Wednesdays for dinner and medical services, and closes at 2pm on Fridays. It is closed Saturday, Sunday, and during Jewish holidays.

Getting There

Bus: 155 Devon bus to California or 93 California bus to Devon
El stop: None nearby
Parking: Has its own free parking lot and some street parking. Please read signs carefully.

Social Services

Medical Doctors
– Primary care, psychiatrist, dental, and some other specialists
– On-site pharmacy that dispenses free prescription medications and some over-the-counter medications
– People with health insurance are ineligible for these services

Psychological Services
– Individual and couples therapy with licensed social workers
– Outpatient day program with therapy groups including art therapy
– People with health insurance may be ineligible for these services

Kosher Pantry
– Clients can use the pantry once a month at specific times

Kosher Meals
– Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday lunches
– Wednesday dinner at 5pm
– Can request vegetarian meals
– On certain holidays, meals are delivered to clients’ homes

Thrift Store
– Located in Wicker Park, accessible by the blue line, buses, with limited parking by other stores
– Depending on your eligibility, it is possible to get vouchers for the thrift store in order to get household items for free

Homeless Shelter
– The Ark also runs a homeless shelter

Becoming a Client

To become eligible for the above services, you go through an intake where they verify that you are Jewish, financially needy, and assess what services you need. They serve all types of Jews (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, etc) though they are associated with an Orthodox synagogue. The workers appear to follow a conservative dress code, though this is not true of the people who utilize their services.

Religious Services

The Ark also offers talks on Jewish issues, services, and some holiday celebrations. The Rabbi gives talks as part of the Tuesday and Thursday lunches and is often present during the day.

If you go to The Ark for services, please feel free to leave a comment about your experiences.

Getting Medicaid When You’re Disabled

Eligibility

In Illinois, once you are certified as disabled by the federal government, that is, you are receiving Social Security Disability payments, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of income or assets depending on when you were certified as disabled. There is no further application process and you receive your medical card in the mail. In order to find out when you can expect the card, it might be a good idea to call and ask the caseworker who handled your Social Security Disability case.

In addition, once you are certified as disabled you may become eligible for Medicaid if you meet additional income and assets guidelines. Medicaid will help cover the costs of the Medicare premiums and co-pays. In this case, Medicare will become your primary insurance and Medicaid will be your secondary insurance.

Applying for Medicaid

However, you don’t automatically get Medicaid; you have to apply for it first.

Working with DHS offices can be very time consuming and difficult. While applications can be done online or by mail, if you have the time, it is generally best to go in person. Otherwise, when you follow-up on your application, you may find that DHS has no record of it and thus has not considered your case. By waiting in line and submitting the application in person, you can at least be assured that it got there.

It should also be noted that the Wicker Park DHS office has a tendency to not return calls, so if you are seeking to follow-up on your case, it is best to go in-person. The same is true if you need to reschedule an appointment. For each visit to this location, plan to allot at least forty-five minutes if you need drop off something and at least two to three hours if you need to speak to someone unless you have an appointment.

Once You Have Medicaid

Your Medicaid card will come monthly in the mail. It is actually a large slip of paper and not business card-sized. Be sure to look out for each new card so as to make sure that your coverage has not been interrupted.

Questions I Would Greatly Appreciate Help With

1) Can you get Medicaid once you are receiving Social Security Disability payments or do you have to wait until you are enrolled in Medicare?

2) What conditions can people without children gain coverage for without having been first found disabled by Social Security?

3) What is the best way to get questions about Medicaid
answered? While it is often easy to talk to a live person when calling Medicare, it is more difficult to do this when calling Medicaid.

If you’ve applied to or are enrolled in Medicaid, please feel free to leave comments about your experiences.

Thresholds – Dincin Center for Recoveries

Dincin Center for Recoveries
2700 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 537-3215 ‎
http://www.thresholds.org

Thresholds has many free programs for people with mental illness. One of them is a community center called the Dincin Center.

Dincin Center doesn’t have its own website but if you call or go in you can find out about what programs are going on that day, which generally include mental health groups, free cooked meals, and an activity. The building is really old and the offices a bit dreary, but the people inside are generally friendly. There is a lot of area to hang out or sit quietly by yourself. The building also contains a computer room with printers, an activity room with a large TV, a craft room, a piano, a pool table, a washer and dryer, and a free clothing room that could use some organizing. Available on-site are other services including case management and employment support.

The Dincin Center serves only people with mental illness. To get a case manager you have to attend groups and come in several times a week. After this, you can become a member and gain access to other services.